FluMist or Flu Shot?

[mjaclyn]

I want to get my kids the flu shot this year because after doing research, I think the benefits outweigh the risks. They've also had flu shots in the past and have had no side effects (other than what is expected). The problem is, both of my kids have been sick almost constantly since the beginning of October. My son is sick again and we're going to the doctor today. My DD 4yrs isn't sick, so I was thinking of getting her the shot while we're there. Unfortunately, all they have left is FluMist at the moment. I remember not liking the idea of FluMist last year because the virus, although weakened, is still alive. There is also the possibility that it could cause difficulty breathing in DD... I just don't know when they'll have more shots available. Has anyone gotten FluMist for their young child? What are your thoughts? Should I chance it or just wait until they get more shots?

 

[Liberty Belle]

We didn't get the flu shot this year and now my son (and I think me, too - started feeling bad about two hours ago) has the flu.

Last year we opted for the shot because the mist can cause problems in children with asthma. My son has never been diagnosed with asthma, but he sometimes has difficulty coughing and breathing right when playing hard, so I thought it would be best to go with the shot.

I'd call your pediatrician. I'm sure they'd be happy to talk to you about it.

 

[Bilberry]

I think the flu shot could be good, and the sunshine vitamin D3, could also be helpful. I thought this was a good article about the benefits of both not that long ago. On a personal note, I take D3 along with my family and we rarely have colds anymore. It's wonderful.

Influenza, Flu Shots, and Vitamin D

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/influenza-flu-shots-and-vitamin-d.shtml

 

[DrCavin]

Neither, not a believer in them.

 

[Rumpus]

Have you checked at your local pharmacies? I know in our area, pharmacies, particularly chain ones, have flu vaccine before the physicians get it and after they run out. Will they vaccinate a young child? You may have to pay out of pocket for it but at least you might be able to get it.

 

[laurie31]

I opted for FluMist for myself and my children because studies have found it to be more effective than the shot.

Not only is it more effective against the 3 strains included in the vaccine, but it seems to also help with strains not included.

The virus is live, but it is attenuated, which means it cannot cause disease.

In a large, head-to-head influenza vaccine trial in children published in the New England Journal of Medicine, FluMist demonstrated a 54% reduction in influenza cases versus the flu shot.


In the same study:

Children receiving the flu shot were 2 times more likely to get the flu than those who received FluMist.

FluMist demonstrated similar results against mismatched strains.

Full study published in the New England Journal of Medicine — February 2007.

http://www.flumist.com/hcp/influenza-vaccine-efficacy

 

[Inigo]

If you opt for the FluMist, make absolutely sure your kids don't get around anyone with a compromised immune system! Since the virus is live, those with a compromised immune system are at risk of getting VERY SICK if they are around those with the live virus.

I take immunosuppressive drugs because of Crohn's Disease, and I hope no one who gets around me gets the mist.

 

[laurie31]

If you opt for the FluMist, make absolutely sure your kids don't get around anyone with a compromised immune system! Since the virus is live, those with a compromised immune system are at risk of getting VERY SICK if they are around those with the live virus.

I take immunosuppressive drugs because of Crohn's Disease, and I hope no one who gets around me gets the mist.

You are at far worse risk if someone around you has the actual flu.

Shedding of virus can occur with FluMist®, although no disease as a result of transmission has yet been detected.

FluMist has even been given directly TO people who are immunocompromised.

FluMist Safe for Immunocompromised Children
Drug Discovery & Development - May 11, 2009


Data suggest that FluMist (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) has an acceptable safety profile among mild to moderately immunocompromised children with cancer. The immune systems of children with cancer can be weakened due to cancer treatments, making them vulnerable to influenza or other infections.

“In our pilot study, immunocompromised children with cancer who received FluMist had no related serious adverse events,” explained Pat Flynn M.D., director, clinical research, infectious diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

http://www.dddmag.com/news-FluMist-Safe-for-Immunocompromised-Children-051109.aspx


The only people believed to be at risk from *close household contact* with those who receive FluMist are cancer patients currently receiving chemotherapy and people who have recently had bone marrow transplants.

There isn't believed to be any risk from casual contact.

Can Shedding and Transmission of Vaccine Viruses Occur with LAIV?

Available data indicate that people vaccinated with LAIV can shed vaccine viruses after vaccination.

In a study of healthy adults, the majority of shedding after vaccination with LAIV occurred within the first 3 days. No shedding of vaccine virus was observed > 10 days after vaccination.

Shedding should not be equated with transmission of vaccine viruses.

In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely. Because the vaccine viruses are attenuated, infection is unlikely to result in symptoms of influenza since the vaccine viruses have not been shown to mutate into typical or naturally occurring influenza viruses.

It is important to remember the following facts:

People vaccinated with LAIV are much less likely to shed virus than people infected with wild-type influenza viruses.

Because vaccine virus is highly attenuated, even if vaccine virus is shed, it is less likely than wild-type influenza virus to cause illness and the complications associated with wild-type influenza virus infection in exposed patients and other contacts.

http://www.rigelweb.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=74


You are correct to be worried about catching an infection when you're in public, but FluMist isn't among the threats to your health.

 

[mousebymarriage]

both of my kids got the flumist at the end of Sept. they have gotten the mist for a few years because both are terrified of needles. DH and I both got the shot and we have been getting the shot for years.
None of us have ever had a reaction to either the shot or the mist and none of us have gotten the flu since we started getting the vaccine.

 

[mjaclyn]

I decided to go with the mist today because DD hates shots and also they didn't have the shot available and didn't know when they would be getting more. I'll just have to wait and see what kind of a reaction she has in the next few days.

I actually was concerned about coming into contact with someone who has a surrpressed immune system because my uncle has CLL. (a type of leukemia) We are supposed to get together with them at the end of this week, so I looked up some information online as well as talked to my doctor about it. I was told that as long as DD isn't exhibiting symptoms, things should be fine. My uncle is not currently having chemotherapy or other treatments but I wanted to be sure and take any precautions.

 

[tvguy]

I'd say either, but you're a couple of months late, by the time they are in full force, flu season will be over.

 

[grafxgirl]

Both my kids have had FluMist for the last 3 years, and have not had the flu. It is more effective because it is a weakened live virus. My son has asthma, and there is a possible breathing issue for him too, but he has not had any issues any of the times he has had the mist. I do know kids who are allergic to eggs absolutely should not do the flu vaccine. I have a weakened immune system due to my thyroid and didn't have any trouble being around either of my kids after they had the vaccine. The side effects are no different from the shot version. It still takes two weeks before it kicks in, so it is still possible to get the flu during that time. A common misconception is that the flu vaccine causes some people to have the flu. If the child has already been unknowingly exposed to the flu before having the shot, there is still the possibility they will get the flu. This is why people who get the flu after having the shot blame it on the shot. Sometimes people confuse a gastrointestinal virus for the flu.

 

[laurie31]

I'd say either, but you're a couple of months late, by the time they are in full force, flu season will be over.

Not true. Flu season can last all the way through April! It's only December! The worst is certainly still to come in Jan and Feb.

It is NOT too late for anyone to get the vaccine.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

Here is what we do

I am a nurse who works in a hosptial...I got the shot
DS has ashtma...he got the shot
DD had Pneumonia a few years ago...she gets the mist
DH didnt get either...hes too lazy LOL

Me and DS "have" to get the shot, me b/c of work DS because of his h/o asthama, DD does not need shot but the mist is OK for her

 

[maidenfairy]

We do both. My younger son gets the mist. He's 5 and has had no issues with it. My older son (8) has asthma, and his dr will only give him the shot.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I didn't want to get either but my work all but forced me to get one. I chose the flu shot over the mist because 1) I want to give the mist a few more years to see what the side effects will end up being and 2) I have a couple of family members currently going through chemo treatments.